FEC Record: Public Funding

Commission Certifies Federal Matching Funds for Gary Johnson

The Federal Election Commission has certified $121,755.77 in federal matching funds to Governor Gary Johnson/Gary Johnson 2012, Inc. for the 2012 primary election. The United States Treasury Department transferred the certified amount on January 8, 2013.

Last year, the Commission also certified $351,961.10 in federal matching funds to Charles E. “Buddy” Roemer III and $372,130.44 to Jill Stein for President for the primary.

To become eligible for matching funds, a candidate must raise a threshold amount of $100,000 by collecting $5,000 in each of 20 states in amounts no greater than $250 from any individual. Other requirements include agreeing to an overall spending limit, abiding by spending limits in each state, using public funds only for qualified campaign-related expenses, keeping financial records and permitting an extensive campaign audit.

The presidential public funding program is financed through the $3 check-off that appears on individual income tax returns. The program has three elements: matching payments to participating candidates during the primary campaign, grants to parties to help fund their nominating conventions, and grants available to nominees to pay for the general election.